h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't mind looking my age, but if I would look older than I am, then, maybe, I might consider having plastic surgery...

I think wrinkles can be quite charming (assuming they're happy wrinkles) and that they add character to a face. And I just love to see a very old person with a wide smile, with their whole face turning into laughing wrinkles!

One of the most scary examples of having a facial surgery I've seen was the Swedish première queen (at least she used to be, and liked to still think so even when she wasn't any longer) Alice Timander.

After the surgery she did not look like a younger version of herself - she looked like a completely different (and younger) person! Imagine not recognizing the face you see in the mirror...

A bag of assorted opinions from a 50 year old het male

Self-perception, or self-judgment more accurately, can be unreasonably cruel. For those among us who are afflicted with the extreme version, I can't offer much advice. But I do offer the sincere hope that we, to whatever degree that we're down about ourselves, can find happiness in being who we are. (Does somebody smell a mid-life situation here?)

What do I find attractive in a woman?

The light in her eyes. Whether she is exuberant or reserved, any humour, grace or happiness will shine forth. The lack thereof is also evident.

Wrinkles reveal character. Good thing, generally.

The aging professional media divas have an obvious stake in maintaining artificial youth. Like, it's an Investment, dahling. People who are not subject to the image imperative, may find grace in aging naturally.

Close-up, it's unnerving to see someone wearing an artificial face. Or surgically altered body parts.

I don't consider myself qualified to discuss the various eating disorders at length, but liposuction is not the cure for compulsive snacking. I'm sure of that.

Reconstructive or corrective plastic surgery, yes. Breast reduction, yes. Tummy tucks...well, it starts getting more elective and more fanciful, if not frivolous, after this point. I suppose it all depends on what one can justify. And afford. Hmmmm...Thigh enhancements, anybody?

I find it difficult to relate to a woman who is a body-image freak. Someone who is driven to major physical modifications by self-criticism, is likely to extend the criticism to intimates. No, thanks...I don't want to share your shame.

Tattoos are something the wearers should want to wear for the rest of their lives.

Piercing can be a way to show the world just how much of a free spirit (weird) you are.

Advice? Hmmm...wean yourself from the glass teat. Dump the glamour 'zines. Be yourself.

That's all well and good, but as a little old lady of a certain age, I'm contemplating an eye-lift, I'm fed up of people telling me I look tired and since I've cut my hair I can't do the trick of pulling my hair into a really tight pony tail

I wouldn't consider having anything else done though, the rest of me seems to be fighting gravity pretty well. Must be all the blubber holding it up . I've been offered plastic surgery on some scars on my arm but refused.

Cosmetic surgery on scars? That's odd, because I once checked what could be done about 4 rather big scars on my legs that I got as an infant (being fed intravenously, and only veins big enough at the time were in my legs, obviusly).

The reply I got was that the current scars are smooth and soft, but an attempt in removing them wouldn't necessarily result in smaller scars, and they might not heal to become as smooth and soft as my current ones - so I gave it up.

Looking tired when you're not? I wouldn't consider that to be a 'beauty' surgery - it wouldn't necessarily make you look younger, just make you look the way you feel, sort of... sorry, not very good at explaining exactly what I mean...

I was offered the plastic surgery because they've healed all nasty and wrinkled, it's called keloid. I've a tendency to it, one of the scars from carpal tunnel repairs on my hands has done it slightly as well, which is why I'm only contemplating an eye-lift. I've seen other people who've had it done and done right it puts the clock back about 10 years but doesn't give you a when you look in the mirror . I'd keep the laughter lines though

Hmmm... if your other scars haven't healed that nicely, wouldn't there be a risk that an eye-lift wouldn't heal all that nicely either?

Yeah, although plastic surgery has come a long way, they've got some gel filled stuff to minimise the chances of keloid now. I'd still want the best advice I could get though, and wouldn't just turn up at a clinic. I'd get recommendations from my GP.

I'm not sure I'd ever do plastic surgery unless it was to correct damage from an accident or something. I've considered a breast reduction (the girls are a bit robust) but have yet to actually get serious about it. How much of that comes from being happy with who I am vs. being basically chicken hearted about all things surgical is anyone's guess...

Well folks,before any surgeon's scalpel is poised over anyone's delicate fizzog,why not try facial exercises?

I believe there is a whole book about them.I am nearing 60 faster than a speeding screaming plump bullet and I do them lots.It does seem to stop some of the facial sag,which we are all sadly prone to after our prime.

The joy is you can do them any time at home ,on the bus,(it gets quieter,people kindly leave and you get a seat) in the car at traffic lights;the police have always been MOST understanding.

It is amazing what you can do with your face once it gets supple,and of course it is sooo good for you.

No nasty anaesthetics or scalpels or thread needed.Just a thought.